darktenshi

And this is a prime example of one of my main issues with Objectivism. It's what I like to call "Subjective Absolutism." The idea that you can so concretely state something you can't prove, because you've decided so. Do you know that there is no God? I'd agree that the proof is on the theist, however, to make a statement of fact that there is no God, and not even entertaining the thought that there might be, is rather arrogant and self defeating. Personally, I think there's no God, because I see no proof, however, I wouldn't blindly claim that this is fact, I would entertain the notion that this is possible. It doesn't contradict that A is A or that existence exists, it's just existence exists from/with/by God. Defining absolutes based off only what you know, is inherently flawed, as you can't know everything, so you're Absolutes are wrong, because you're not factoring in everything. You can make educated guesses, and use what you know from reality, but in the end, your never right, in terms of what is as opposed to what you think is. Of course, your only measure is self, but to create Absolutes, is rather silly. I find this kind of thinking rather limiting. There's a contradiction in Absolutes, sure you can be wrong and change your way of thinking and agree with the new Subjective reality, but that doesn't change the real reality, only your perception. Setting limits on possibilites, is rather naive and down right silly. Just because you think something isn't so, doesn't mean its not. Stepping out of this thread and into others I've read, I'd like to add that this type of thought also applies to other parts of Objectivism. Judgement is a fine example. I see a lot of people throwing around the word "Evil". Evil's a strong word, it has a rather mystical connotation to it. "Evil" is an Absolute type of word. Saying something like, I think that man is immoral, unethical, or his character is flawed is one thing, but saying he's "Evil" is rather presuptious. It assumes everything from only your perspective. Do I judge people? All the time. When I see someone's character or his actions clash with my beliefs, values, life, whatever, I disassociate myself from that person, and let them know what I think about that. However, I don't run around calling them "Evil", because I don't know their "true" motivation, the entire situation, etc. I can learn as much as I can, but that's just for my own benefit. That doesn't make the person "Evil", even if I think they have malicious intent behind their actions. You can't know everything, and so you can't label it as Absolute. Well you can, but I'd have to disagree.